Velma Jeanne Barnett

BARNETT, VELMA JEANNE
With her partner of 20 years, Ellie Charlton, standing by her side, Jeanne died peacefully on October 1, 2003 following a heart attack. A woman of integrity, courage and kindness, she leaves a huge community of friends whose lives are more compassionate because they were touched by her. A state worker for 32 years, Jeanne was Chief of Unemployment Insurance and later Chief of Labor Market Information Division. Her true passion, though, was her life in the United Methodist Church in which she worked tirelessly for decades at every level, from the local to the national. After coming out at the age of 51, Jeanne challenged the church to become more inclusive of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender persons. It was nearly five years ago that Jeanne and Ellie were united in a Holy Union held at the Sacramento Convention Center, co-officiated by 150 clergy who put their own ordinations on the line in order to stand for justice and fall inclusion of those who have so long been alienated from the Christian community. An avid sports fan, a lover of music, a gentle soul... We will celebrate her life on Saturday, October 11th at 11:00am at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 2391 St. Mark's Way, Sacramento. 483-7848